East Valley School District bond failing

Early ballot counts tonight for an East Valley School District bond showed 61 percent of voters coming out against the bond. The district is asking taxpayers to approve a $33.75 million bond to renovate and improve Trentwood, East Farms, Otis Orchards, Skyview and Trent elementary schools. The bond would add 40 new classrooms and four new gymnasiums. The district and maintenance offices would move to East Valley Middle School, which would also house a middle-level enrichment center. All buildings would receive a technology upgrade. If the bond were to pass, the district expects $32.5 million in matching state funds and taxes would increase 86 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value, making East Valley’s total bond and levy tax rates $4.39 per $1,000 in property value. The bond needs a supermajority to pass. The Orchard Prairie School District also had a levy on the ballot. The school, which has about 75 students in grades K through 7, is asking voters to approve a two-year $105,000 maintenance and operations levy to make up for state budget shortfalls. If passed, taxpayers in that district would pay about $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Early counts this evening show 61 percent of voters in favor of the levy.